An overwhelming majority of business leaders believe separation would hurt
companies based in Scotland, according to a poll published today.

A survey by Ipsos MORI of Scotland’s senior business community found 72 per cent thought independence would have a negative effect compared to just 13 per cent that believed there would be a benefit.

More than half (56 per cent) said separation would worsen their company’s prospects compared to only one in ten who thought it would improve their business outlook. A quarter said it was too early to say.

Three out of four businesses have done little or no contingency planning in case Scots vote ‘yes’ in the 2014 referendum, compared to only 23 per cent who have started considering the impact of separation.

The survey of 250 of Scotland’s leading businessmen is another blow to Alex Salmond’s separatist campaign, which needs to convince Scots of the supposed economic benefits of independence to succeed.

It also provides the clearest indication yet about the true opinion of the business community following claims that most are too scared to publicly speak out against independence.

Rupert Soames, chief executive of Aggreko, recently told a Lords committee many stay silent for fear of the SNP pouring “rains of bile and ire” on them.

Mark Diffley, research director at Ipsos MORI, said the survey demonstrated the “concern” felt by senior decision makers about a separate Scotland and the “biggest challenge” faced by the Yes campaign to persuade them otherwise.

“These fears span the perceived negative impact of independence on both the businesses of the senior decision-makers we interviewed and on the Scottish business community more widely,” he said.

“It is possible that so few business leaders are actively planning for the prospect of independence because they do not think that the Yes campaign will win the referendum.”

The survey was conducted between September 25 and October 31, with the results weighted by company size to ensure they were representative of the business community.

John Swinney, the SNP Finance Minister, said: “We are engaging positively with Scotland's business community and all strands of Scottish society, and are confident that we can and will win the positive case for a Yes vote in 2014.”

But a spokesman for the pro-UK Better Together campaign said: “This poll should not come as a surprise to anyone.

“How can the separatists possibly expect to build support in the business community when every credible question is dismissed as scaremongering and debate is deliberately stifled?”

Michael Moore, the Scottish Secretary, said: “Every week I hear directly from Scottish business people who are concerned about the negative consequences that would flow from Scotland leaving the UK.

“'Business people – and all people – in Scotland, have a right to ask questions and express legitimate concerns about the prospect of independence. The Scottish Government must begin to address them.”

Gavin Brown, Scottish Tory finance spokesman, said: “We know Alex Salmond likes to pick up the phone to those who criticise his vision for independence, but after this the number of calls he’ll have to make will be into treble figures.”